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ITV Report

18 June 2012 at 7:00am

Further discussions over Friarage

The ninth public meeting will be held this evening Photo: ITV

The Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group is proposing to transfer some paediatric and special baby care to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, after senior doctors raised concerns over safety.

As paediatricians at the Friarage retire, there are fears the hospital will struggle to meet national standards. The move would also affect maternity services.

The proposals have angered people served by the hospital, which covers rural parts of North Yorkshire. Last month, several thousand took part in a march to demonstrate. Many are concerned about having to travel the extra 25 miles to Teesside.

Doctors are looking at several options for the future and want people to attend the last in a series of public meetings at Bedale Hall this evening.

As a group of GPs, we share local people's strength of feeling for services at the Friarage hospital. We are determined to ensure it continues to be the main focus for hospital-based healthcare in Hambleton and Richmondshire. This is the last of 9 public events we have held to allow people to gain a greater understanding of the current situation, how it has come about and what options lie before us. We are particularly keen to hear the views of young mothers and families across the area.

We are particularly keen to hear the views of young mothers and families across the area."